MANILA, Philippines—Hesed Gabo led a balanced STI offensive as the Olympians downed Centro Escolar University, 82-78, Monday to forge another showdown with University of Manila for the National Athletics Association of Schools, Colleges and University (Naascu) men’s basketball title at the Makati Coliseum.
Gabo knocked in a game-high 16 points and four others finished in double figures, including Jasper Melano who hit a three-pointer that snuffed out a desperate CEU rally in the closing minutes.
The win avenged a 61-66 loss the Olympians absorbed from the Scorpions Friday that forged the winner-take-all semifinal clash.
Defending champion UM booked the first championship slot, also Friday, after dumping Informatics, 98-66.
The one-game title playoff is set at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Makati Coliseum with the Hawks gunning for a seventh overall crown, including five straight from 2001-2005.
The Olympians are eyeing a third championship after winning in 2007 and 2009.
Informatics and CEU will dispute third place at 11:30 a.m.
UM is also looking for its sixth juniors championship against Fatima at 1 p.m., while AMA Computer and St. Clare battle for third place at 10 a.m.
Melano’s triple gave the Olympians an 80-76 lead, from 77-76, with just one minute and 40 seconds left in the game.
Abegail Chavez and Jerald Bautista contributed 10 points each for the victors.
Melano finished with 13 points like Maclean Sabellina.
The Olympians also managed to control John David Orbeta, who gave them a big headache last Saturday when he scored 20 points. Orbeta was still able to score 15 points but none of them in the fourth quarter.
The scores:
STI 82—Gabo 16, Sabellina 13, Melaño 13, Chavez 10, Bautista 10, Moreno 7, Ablaza 5, Ihalas 4, Riva 2, Morales 2, Labis 0, Ohandja 0.
CEU 78—Orbeta 15, Dumapig 11, Parale 10, Lobaton 9, Magbitang 9, Guillen 8, Alquisalas 6, Garcia 4, Lamosa 2, Mejos 2, Rublico 2, Babad 0, Beldad 0, Chua 0, Jasmin 0.
Quarters: 21-21, 43-40, 59-58, 82-78